The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is inviting participation in the 2013 ClimateQUAL survey. The online survey collects information about library staff perceptions of the organisation's commitment to the principles of diversity; staff perceptions of organisational policies and procedures; and staff attitudes. The survey addresses such issues as diversity, teamwork, learning, fairness, current managerial practices, and staff attitudes and beliefs.
ARL, in partnership with the University of Maryland Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/OP) Program, offers the ClimateQUAL protocol to the library community. The team is currently seeking eight to ten additional US, Canadian, and UK institutions to participate in 2013. Participants will be required to survey at least 50 part-time or full-time employees, possibly including student workers.
ClimateQUAL is an effective management tool that uses deep assessment of a library's staff to plumb the dimensions of organisational culture important for a healthy library. The survey is grounded in the participation of 47 libraries to date. Active participation since 2007 has enabled the ClimateQUAL research in developing a model of the healthy organisation. Using normative scales and institutional survey results effectively, significant improvements can be achieved. Effective techniques for remediation engage the entire staff. The tool is a must-do during the first 100 days for an organisation with new leadership, as it provides useful baseline information.
